Cities seek help to meet immigrant demands

Should affordable housing and public transit be counted - and funded - as a service for new immigrants?

They are, according to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Ottawa currently funds orientation, employment and language training for newcomers, but the federation - made up of 1,900 municipalities across the country - wants the federal government to invest in municipal infrastructure and services crucial to immigrants' integration into the local community.

"Municipalities now have to dig deeper to meet the growing demand of services essential to the effective integration of immigrants. These include affordable housing, public transit, child care, recreation and library services," said a new report released by the federation Wednesday.

"In a world where talented workers are highly mobile, municipal governments must ensure a high quality of life and welcoming environment. And when immigrants don't succeed, municipal and community services like shelters and food banks figure prominently in meeting their needs.'

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Among the report's recommendations:

• Expand settlement services and funding to include a broader range of integration needs